[philwelch]

What point am I missing? Clearly, the definition of "scientific belief" used in this context is something like "belief held by people in the scientific community". The central point here seems to be that, while "belief" may have a connotation of something that is lacking evidence, it's in fact a far more general term that applies even to genuine knowledge.

[pbhjpbhj]

>the definition of "scientific belief" used in this context is something like "belief held by people in the scientific community"

I hope not. The definition of "scientific belief" is belief in something supported by a scientific method. Put another way formally and rigorously established based on agreed axioms.

Being a scientist doesn't make your belief that you're Imhotep reincarnated a scientific belief.

[philwelch]

The definition of "scientific belief" is belief in something supported by a scientific method.

How many examples on the OP did you read? How many of those examples were supported by a scientific method? (Probably some, but not all.) I think my definition better suits the context, quibbling aside.